Ozone therapy has entered firmly into the vocabulary of aesthetic medicine Italian as a non-surgical option to improve skin quality, combat cellulitis and support anti-aging treatments. At the base there is a blend of oxygen and ozone (O2/O3), administered with medical protocols designed to exploit the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and biostimulant properties of ozone, avoiding potentially risky doses and routes of administration.
Scientific research is deepening the role of this technique in dermatology and aesthetics, with studies indicating potential benefits for acne, dermatitis, skin ulcers, and healing processes, although further confirmation and standardized protocols are needed. At the same time, more and more aesthetic medicine centers are offering it as a complementary treatment for facial rejuvenation, improved microcirculation and the reduction of skin blemishes.
What is ozone therapy?
Ozone therapy is a medical procedure that uses a controlled mixture of oxygen and ozone, produced by certified equipment, to achieve effects antimicrobials, antiinflammatory e healing.
Ozone is a triatomic form of oxygen with high oxidizing properties. At medical concentrations and in medical settings, its oxidizing action is exploited for:
- modulate the inflammatory response
- improve oxygen delivery to tissues
- stimulate the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes
- exert a bactericidal, fungicidal and virustatic effect on the cellular structures of pathogenic microorganisms.
For the skin, these mechanisms translate into a possible better oxygenation of tissues, faster repair of micro-lesions, a reduction in edema and inflammation and, in some cases, support for cell turnover and collagen synthesis.
It should be remembered that the main regulatory agencies urge caution: for example, the US FDA considers ozone therapy an unproven practice and emphasizes the potential risks of improper administration, especially through inhalation or using unrecognized techniques.
The main types of ozone therapy
There are different administration methods, chosen by the doctor based on the objective (systemic or local) and the patient's conditions.
1. Systemic ozone therapy
Systemic ozone therapy is used to act on the whole organism, supporting antioxidant defenses and counteracting oxidative stress induced by air pollutants, smoking, exposure to UV rays, unbalanced diet and other environmental factors.
All Dermato-Aesthetic Clinic in Milan, dr. Fabio Caprara proposes a path of systemic ozone therapy with protocols designed to strengthen the body's defense systems and reduce the harmful effects of pollutants, ionizing radiation, and unhealthy lifestyles. Typically, the so-called major autohemotherapy: a certain quantity of venous blood is taken, placed in contact with the O2/O3 mixture and then reinfused into the same patient, within a closed and sterile circuit.
2. Local infiltrations (subcutaneous or intradermal)
They are the techniques closest to the aesthetic medicine: small amounts of oxygen-ozone mixture are injected into the subcutaneous or intradermal tissue in specific areas, such as the thighs and buttocks in protocols for cellulite and localized adiposity.
This mode aims to improve the microcirculation, to promote the drainage of liquids, to reduce the fibrosis of the septa which characterises "orange peel" skin and to stimulate skin trophism.
3. Topical applications and ozone conveyed in oils or creams
Ozone can be conveyed in vegetable oils (such as ozonated olive oil) or in specific creams, used for the treatment of acne, small lesions, inflamed areas, and thick or seborrheic skin. Clinical studies have shown improvement in acne lesions in patients treated with ozonated olive oil compared to conventional products, although these are often limited in number.
4. Other routes of administration
Some medical protocols also use rectal insufflations or small autohemotherapy procedures (sampling a few ml of blood, ozonation, and intramuscular reinjection), for systemic or immunomodulatory purposes. These techniques are less directly related to aesthetic medicine, but can be integrated into comprehensive wellness and longevity programs, always under specialist supervision.
Applications of ozone therapy in aesthetic medicine
In the aesthetic context, ozone therapy is used as a complementary treatment for various blemishes, with protocols that involve cycles of sessions and, often, in combination with other procedures (carboxytherapy, radiofrequency, fillers, PRP).
Among the main indications in aesthetic medicine we can mention:
- Cellulite and localized fat deposits: local infiltrations and oxygen-ozone therapy aim to improve circulation, reduce edema and promote a lipolytic effect in the adipose tissue, with an impact on the firmness of the skin on the thighs, buttocks and hips.
- Loss of skin tone and laxity: the reoxygenation of the tissues and the stimulation of cellular metabolism help to restore greater elasticity and turgor to the skin tissue, particularly on the face, neck and décolleté.
- Anti-aging facial treatmentsOxygen-ozone therapy protocols can be combined with biostimulants and fillers to enhance the overall effect, promoting a brighter and more uniform appearance, with a reduction in microwrinkles.
- Acne and impure skinThe antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of ozone, especially in topical formulations such as ozonated oils, has been studied to improve acne lesions and promote healing, with promising results in some clinical trials and reports.
- Alopecia and hair thinningOxygen-ozone therapy on the scalp can stimulate microcirculation and the supply of oxygen to the hair follicles, integrating with other hair care protocols.
The scientific literature suggests that ozone therapy could represent a useful tool within complex aesthetic programs, but also underlines the need for more robust studies, with large samples and standardized comparisons, to definitively confirm the indications and long-term results.
Safety, contraindications and choice of center
From a safety point of view, ozone therapy has a generally favorable profile when performed by experienced doctors, with certified equipment and properly calibrated dosages. Under these conditions, reported side effects are generally modest (transient tiredness, mild headache, local redness).
However, the literature also documents serious adverse events – such as air embolisms, neurological or cardiopulmonary complications – especially in relation to techniques currently considered inappropriate, such as some forms of direct intravenous administration or self-management of treatments outside of controlled medical settings.
There are also specific contraindications, Including:
- G6PD deficiency (favism), due to the risk of hemolysis
- pregnancy
- uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
- significant coagulation disorders and serious cardiovascular diseases.
For this reason, before starting a cycle of ozone therapy it is essential to have a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a detailed medical history, any laboratory tests, and verification of ongoing therapies.
Choosing the center represents a crucial step:
- the treatment must be performed by a licensed doctor, preferably with specific training in aesthetic medicine and ozone therapy
- The equipment must be certified for medical use and subjected to regular maintenance
- Clear protocols must be in place for managing any adverse reactions. In Italy, aesthetic medicine facilities such as Dermato-Aesthetic Clinic in Milan, directed by Dr. Fabio Caprara, integrates systemic and local ozone therapy into personalized anti-aging and wellness programs, alongside other medical facial and body treatments.
For patients interested in new aesthetic treatments It's important to consider ozone therapy as a potential additional tool, to be evaluated with a specialist, taking into account expected benefits, therapeutic options, general health, and the level of available scientific evidence. This way, the method can be incorporated into a broader, thoughtful, and truly customized aesthetic and wellness plan.
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